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'''Q.''' Are there wheelchair accessibility requirements for bookmobiles? If so, what are the wheelchair accessibility requirements on a 28-foot bookmobile?

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Thank you for visiting the ALA Library Professional Tips Wiki! The information you are looking for has been moved. Please visit http://www.ala.org/tools/mobile-libraries for the updated content.

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'''A.''' There are two facets to the answer to this question. The first is: Is physical accessibility required? The second is: If physical accessibility is required, what are the parameters?

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For an answer to the first question, see the [http://www.ada.gov/smtown.htm ADA Guide for Small Towns] from the Department of Justice, which states: "If a library facility or building is not accessible, these services may be offered in a different accessible library facility, in another accessible facility nearby, or in an alternate manner."

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Notice that [http://www.ada.gov/smtown.htm#anchor27501 the ADA Guide shows an example of an older, smaller bookmobile], which includes this [http://www.ada.gov/descript/bookdesc.htm description]: "A drawing of an older bookmobile parked in a parking lot with a person using a scooter approaching the side door. The entry door has steps and no ramp. A call button, located on the side of the bookmobile, is pushed to call the staff person to the door to provide service." In this way, [http://www.ada.gov/taman2.html#II-5.2000 the bookmobile is an "alternate manner," as noted above], which brings library services to the disabled library users in the community. The ADA Guide goes on to say: "What is important is that the same services be available to individuals with disabilities as are offered to others ­ such as doing research, using the card catalog or cataloging device, reading or reviewing items usually held in reserve or special collections, and returning loaned items."

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There are [http://wikis.ala.org/professionaltips/index.php/Mobile_Libraries newer, larger bookmobiles] that are already compliant with the ADA requirements and include lifts for disabled patrons. For wheelchair accessibility, [http://wikis.ala.org/professionaltips/index.php/Access_to_Facilities%2C_including_ADA_issues the usual ADA space requirements apply], including a minimum clear aisle space of 36 inches (a minimum of 42 inches is preferred).